The excitement of Belmont Park's racing return is still palpable in Saratoga Springs as the sport comes back to town. This year, there was a shorter gap between the end of the previous racing season at Saratoga and the start of the new one, giving this week's opening week a unique atmosphere in the community.
Due to renovations at Belmont Park, the New York Racing Association held most of the spring-summer meeting at Aqueduct, except for Belmont Stakes week, which took place at Saratoga from June 6-9. This relocation had an impact on everyone involved in upstate New York racing, with varying reactions from NYRA personnel, employees, and locals in Saratoga Springs and the capital region.
The financial impact of hosting Belmont Stakes week at Saratoga was significant, with estimates suggesting it had a $50 million economic impact in the area. This added to the annual impact of Saratoga's racing industry, which is around $370 million, making a notable contribution to the region's economy.
While some businesses benefited significantly from the influx of visitors, others saw a decline in business, particularly during lunchtime and early afternoons when live racing was taking place. Despite the challenges, the atmosphere at the track was electric, with attendees feeling like there were more people present than the capped attendance of 50,000.
Looking ahead, there is a focus on hospitality and improving the overall experience for next year's Belmont Stakes Festival. Plans are already in motion to enhance the event and make it even better, reflecting the commitment of NYRA and Saratoga Springs to providing a top-notch racing experience for fans and participants alike.